Refugee Bike Day

Posted by Amanda Mujica5sc on

Refugee Bike Day in Lowell--bikes, safety and fun!

The International Institute of New England (IINE) has been resettling refugees for nearly 100 years; today they serve nearly 2,000 refugees and immigrants annually. Recently resettled refugees often use bikes as their primary means of transportation to and from employment; bikes are often an integral part of their daily lives.

The Lowell Office of IINE will be holding a Bike Day on June 11 from 10am-3pm at Murkland Elementary School, Adams St., Lowell. At this IINE-client-only event, there will be bike giveaways, bike safety demonstrations in various languages, a minor bike repair station, food stations, bike rides home, bike riding practice and children's activities!

Volunteers from the Lowell Office of IINE are collecting adult and children's bikes, locks, and helmets in safe, good working condition. They are also recruiting volunteers to help with bike distribution and education. And finally, they are looking for funding support for the event. Please help in any way you can!

IF you have a bike, lock and/or reflective gear in good working condition with all its parts, please contact Amanda Mujica at 617.595.2178 or at amanda@amandamujicadesign.com

Recently resettled refugees in Massachusetts are some of our newest residents. Many have fled nations where they were persecuted for religious or political beliefs or have fled war and violence in places like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, and other countries. They have overcome incredible odds to come to New England and they are determined to contribute to life here. Safe bike transportation to and from work and school is a wonderful welcome gift to our new neighbors!